Innovazione

🍫 The Cioccolato di Modica IGP introduces the Digital Passport with QR Code for authenticity and traceability, surpassing 18 million marks on packaging. Presented at the Ministry of Agriculture by the Consortium of Chocolate of Modica and other authorities, it enhances consumer experience by providing detailed product information. Security features include watermarked paper and special inks. The initiative, supported by the State Mint, pioneers food safety technology in Italy's agri-food sector.

🍕 Zucchi, a leading Italian oil producer since 1810, reveals that for Christmas 2024, Italians associate fish (21%), baccalà (19%), and struffoli (14%) with holiday cuisine. 61% won't skip festive frying, with favorites varying regionally: 43% of Campania choose struffoli, 38% in Marche for olives all'ascolana, and 27% of Pugliesi for pettole. From December 1-22, Zucchi's e-commerce offers a promotion: buy two oil trios, get free delivery. New product "Zucchi Fritto Libero!" sunflower oil boasts 50% less frying odor and a high smoke point of 230°C. Recipes for baccalà and struffoli are available on Zucchi.com.

☕ TUTTOCAPSULE, headquartered in Settimo Torinese, Italy, reacts to a Report episode aired on December 15, discussing coffee industry issues and professionalism. The company, with a presence in 20 countries and 200 stores, offers two retail formats – Tuttocapsule La Caffetteria and Accademia – La Caffetteria – varying in professional commitment and economic investment. Tuttocapsule focuses on uniform processes and product safety, whereas Accademia emphasizes quality service, specialty single-origin 100% Arabica coffee, and customer experience. CEO Vincenzo Pagliero highlights their educational path's importance in cultivating coffee culture and consumer awareness.

🍷 In 2024, the Consorzio Alta Langa saw significant growth with 455 hectares under vine, 14 new producers joining for a total of 85, and a sales increase exceeding 10%. Highlight events included 'La Prima dell'Alta Langa' in March at Teatro Regio, Turin, with extraordinary Horeca participation, 'Alta Langa Roma' with 30 producers in June, and partnerships with renowned institutions like Italdesign. The 7th annual tasting event is set for March 10, 2025, in Turin. President Mariacristina Castelletta emphasizes the shared commitment behind the success.

🍸 Charmaine Thio, a leading figure in Southeast Asian mixology and Regional Brand Ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin since 2018, previously head bartender at 28 HongKong Street in Singapore, discusses the region's global mixology acclaim and industry trends such as low & no alcohol drinks, global collaborations, and inclusive experiences that shape the future of mixology. Southeast Asian bars have risen in prestigious rankings, including the World’s 50 Best Bars. Thio emphasizes technology's role in connecting the mixology community, the importance of mocktails for inclusivity, and the potential growth in collaborative 'meta-bar' experiences.

🛠 Smart locks are increasingly popular for short-term rentals, offering enhanced security, remote access via smartphones, and integration with booking management systems like Chekin. They eliminate the need for physical keys and allow property owners to generate temporary access codes, reducing unauthorized access risks. Users can choose from code locks, Bluetooth locks, or Wi-Fi-enabled locks based on their needs and the convenience of installation and guest management. Additionally, smart locks can save time in check-in management and improve the guest experience. Owners are advised to consider security features, user-friendliness, and integration capabilities when selecting a smart lock. Installation usually requires basic tools and following provided instructions for setup and integration with platforms such as Chekin, which can streamline rental management and save owners 87% of their time. Chekin offers a 14-day free trial without requiring credit card details.

🎂 Al.ta Cucina and Fiorucci launched a limited edition Pandoro Rosa, a savory twist on the traditional Christmas sweet, featuring mortadella cubes and pistachio grains, targeting humor-appreciative opinion leaders. Fiorucci's Mortadella Suprema and the artisanal expertise of Il Giardino del Pane's Lorenza Rizzi in San Felice al Circeo bring this gastronomic innovation to life. Al.ta Agency will promote this unique product through digital content and a dedicated landing page for potential Fiorucci Official Tasters. Al.ta Cucina boasts a 5.5M-strong food enthusiast community, generating over 60M impressions monthly. Fiorucci, founded in 1850 in Norcia, is internationally recognized and operates in over 20 countries, with a production exceeding 20,000 tons from its Pomezia and Langhirano facilities. After White Park Capital and Navigator Group's acquisition in 2023, Fiorucci aims for international growth, innovation, and maintaining tradition.

📈 Cattel Spa, a major player in food and non-food distribution, thrived in 2024 by capitalizing on market trends. TradeLab analysis showed a stable Italian away-from-home consumption in Q3 2024, with market value at €60.961 billion, slightly up from €60.167 billion in Q3 2023. Best performances were in breakfast and social occasions, with Southern Italy leading. Cattel boasts an 8000-product assortment and excels in ready-to-use products, benefiting from the DYP ultra-freezing technique preserving fish quality. Additionally, Cattel's order collection App optimizes client partnership. Fast food and self-service chains saw an 11% increase in Q3 2024 over 2023.

📦 Tetra Pak, a leader in food processing and packaging solutions, launches Tetra Prisma® Aseptic 300 Edge for on-the-go drinks, milk-based, juice, and functional ready-to-drink products. The single-serve carton features an ergonomic design, convenient handling, and a tethered DreamCap™ 26 Pro cap reducing waste and litter. Over 85% renewable material use cuts carbon footprint by 76%. Compatible with Tetra Pak® A3/CompactFlex, offering five packaging configurations. Packaging design increases pallet efficiency by up to 10%. Environmental concerns are high among 76% of consumers, with 60% choosing eco-friendly packaging.

📖 On December 12 in Rome's Salotto Culturale dell'Eur, the guide "Tempo al Tempo" was launched, targeting Horeca professionals for the challenges of 2025. It emphasizes the importance of time recovery and authenticity in customer experiences, leveraging AI, algorithms, and social media. The guide, free on www.horecasoluzioni.it, reflects on the industry's status and suggests using technology to eliminate repetitive tasks, focusing on value-added activities. Eureka! Soluzioni per l’Ho.re.ca. endorses the guide, providing comprehensive communication solutions for the food & wine and hotel industries.